In the blowfly, Calliphora erythrocephala, transport of dye into or out of the retina, following injection into the eye or thorax, was investigated, mainly by microspectrophotometry and fluorimetry. After injection into the eye, Phenol Red, Trypan Blue, Lucifer Yellow and 9-amino-acridine were transported out of the retina; Procion Yellow and Rhodamine-123 stayed in it. The time constants of this transport process were in the range 45–80 min at 23°C, depending on the dye. When Lucifer Yellow was injected into the thorax, it was transported into the retina. The transport of these dyes across the retina was inhibited by nitrogen, ouabain and low temperature, indicating that active processes are involved.

Keywords:
insect retina, dyes, transport, metabolism, blowflies
© 1989 by Company of Biologists
1989
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